LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Shakespeare on a tennis court and summer concert kickoff

RhinoLeap play returns to a tennis court near you

ASHEBORO — 90 minutes. 37 plays. 3 actors. 1 tennis court?

Back by popular demand, RhinoLeap Productions’ “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” returns in early May to the Championship Tennis Court at Memorial Park in Asheboro. Performances are various days between May 8 and 24. Tickets are on sale now at rhinoleap.com and at Brightside Gallery.

The production is a wild ride that will attempt to cram all of Shakespeare’s plays into a single athletic performance. Watch as three fearless actors from Broadway and Cirque du Soleil play multiple roles, delivering a madcap mix of comedy, improvisation and wit. Perfect for Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike, this fast-paced show brings the Bard’s timeless stories to life.

Play dates are:

■ Friday, May 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m. 

■ Saturday, May 9, 7-8:30 p.m.

■ Sunday, May 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

■ Thursday, May 14, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Saturday, May 16, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Sunday, May 17, 6-7:30 p.m.

■ Thursday, May 21, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Friday, May 22, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

■ Saturday, May 23, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Sunday, May 24, 6-7:30 p.m.

Friday: Kick off the coming summer concert season

ASHEBORO — Downtown Asheboro Inc. and the City of Asheboro invite are holding a Summer Concert Series Kickoff Block Party on Friday, April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. in downtown Asheboro. The public is invited.

Held in the Upper Bicentennial Parking Lot (Sunset Avenue side), this free, drop-in event will offer a fun and casual way to celebrate the return of the Summer Concert Series while connecting with the local businesses and sponsors who make it possible.

Attendees can enjoy a block party atmosphere while picking up official 2026 concert schedule cards and free concert T-shirts (while supplies last), along with branded giveaways from participating sponsors. Guests can also enter to win concert-ready prizes, including park chairs and a battery-powered fan — perfect for staying cool during summer shows.

“This event is all about building excitement for the season ahead,” Addie Corder, Downtown Development Manager, said. “It’s a chance for the community to get a first look at what’s to come, connect with local businesses, and get ready for another great summer in downtown.”

The Summer Concert Series is made possible through the support of local sponsors and the strong community participation that brings each event to life.

For more information on the 2026 Summer Concert Series, visit: https://www.downtownasheboro.com/asheboro-summer-concert-series.

ALSO THIS WEEK

Block party, mile walk put spotlight on child abuse

ASHEBORO — A block party full of information and an eventual one-mile walk in downtown Asheboro takes place on Thursday, April 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The topic? Preventing Child Abuse.

A walk through downtown will begin at about 5 p.m. The block party will be held on North Street, which will be cordoned off during that time frame. 

The public is invited to gather information from participating groups and to take part in the walk.

Randleman kicks off spring with April 18 Spring Fling

RANDLEMAN — Music, food and vendors will be the draw in Randleman on Saturday, April 18, for the city’s annual Spring Fling at Commerce Square.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Randleman. 

Popular bluegrass band returns to Sunset stage

ASHEBORO — Friday Night Bluegrass returns on April 17 with a return visit by Just A Lil Grace. 

This Gospel-oriented group is this month’s featured band during Friday Night Bluegrass, a feature offered by the City of Asheboro on the third Friday of each month.

The Sunset Theatre is located at 234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro. Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7. Tickets are $10.

Celebration of Spring Tour covers three-day weekend

SEAGROVE — Some 43 potters are opening their doors from April 17 through 19 for visitors to enjoy a self-guided tour to see what’s new at participating Seagrove pottery shops. 

Participating shops will feature new work for spring. Some will offer demonstrations, studio tours, kiln openings and more. Visitors can pick up maps at participating shops or download a map at www.discoverseagrove.com. 

Visitors who fill out a door prize card at participating pottery shops have an opportunity to win one of three $50 gift certificates. Winners will be chosen May 30 and will be notified. Gift certificates can be used at any Celebration of Spring participating shop.

Magic Show takes place at Sunset Theater Saturday

ASHEBORO — Magic, comedy and illusion are the calling cards of Joe Ryan, who will entertain guests at the Sunset Theatre in downtown Asheboro on Saturday, April 18, in the Magic of Allyster event set to begin at 6 p.m.

Doors open at 5. Ticket prices range from $25 to $45.

Tribute Band plays the best of CCR Saturday in Liberty

LIBERTY — A Credence Clearwater Revival tribute band will be in ’70s garb and turning back the clock to music from that era in a concert at Liberty Showcase Theater Saturday, April 18.

The Travelin’ Band hits the stage at 101 S. Fayetteville St. in Liberty beginning at 7 p.m.  Tickets range in price from $24 to $44.

UPCOMING

Dolly Parton tribute show at Sunset Theatre April 26

ASHEBORO — Dolly Parton’s coming to Asheboro.

Or, at least in this age of tribute performances, someone is coming to bring the best of Dolly’s music and career to you at the Sunset Theatre on Sunday, April 26, at 3 p.m.

In “Coat of Many Colors: A Tribute to Dolly Parton,” tribute artist Holly Michelle offers a heartwarming show that will celebrate the music, stories and legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton with songs including her early classics to modern favorites.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door or by visiting sunsettheatre.org.

Cruise-Ins return to downtown Asheboro April 25

ASHEBORO — For the 7th (!) year, the Asheboro Summer Cruise-In series returns to Asheboro in its new location, the C-4 Church parking lot at 1128 N. Fayetteville Street.

The monthly cruise-ins, organized by Grounded Elegance Car Club (Michael Allred) and Brightside Gallery (Mary Murkin) take place from April through late fall. Part car show and part cruising event — at least once a night, Allred leads cars onto an old-fashioned cruise up and down Fayetteville Street — the event lasts from 6 to 10 p.m.